A Glass MacBook Air: Luxury or Disaster in the Making?

Apple’s latest patent filings have sparked rumors of a glass MacBook Air and iMac, but could this concept become a reality? According to Patently Apple, Apple has won two new patents, including one for a glass housing for a future MacBook Air that could feature a virtual keyboard and touchpad. This isn’t the first time Apple has explored glass-based designs; they also patented a design for an iMac made of a single sheet of glass in 2023.

The Patented Design

The patents feature an electronic device housing that provides I/O functionality, meaning the “user interface forms part of the housing and the housing receives input and/or provides output for the device.” One or more surfaces of the housing are configured to accept or provide user input and output when the device and/or the surface(s) is actuated. The housing is, therefore, part of the system and not a separate mechanism.

A Luxury or a Disaster Waiting to Happen?

While the concept of a glass MacBook Air and iMac sounds luxurious, it’s clear that this idea would work better as a proof of concept than an actual product on the market. The biggest concern is the level of fragility involved. Glass products are notoriously easy to break, and the thought of a fragile MacBook Air is daunting.

A Recipe for Disaster

The glass MacBook Air sounds like a recipe for disaster not only for people with kids and/or pets but also for adults with motor disabilities that might worry about accidentally dropping or damaging the device. Even for adults without disabilities, the risk of breakage is high, making it a product that’s unlikely to appeal to the average consumer.

Peak Luxury Product

It’s hard to imagine a product that would be more expensive or impractical than a glass MacBook Air. The technology and materials required to make such a device would undoubtedly be costly, and Apple would likely want to make back their R&D investment. However, for die-hard Apple fans, such a product might be too enticing to resist, no matter the price.

In conclusion, while the idea of a glass MacBook Air and iMac is intriguing, it’s unclear if this concept would become a reality. If it does, it’s likely to be a luxury product catering to Apple’s most affluent customers.